First Solar, a US-based solar panel manufacturer, has received a multi-year order from EDP Renewables (EDPR) to supply advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules with a total capacity of 1.8 GW direct current. The photovoltaic modules will be installed across all power initiatives created by EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) in the US, with deliveries scheduled to happen until 2028.
In terms of installed capability, North America is regarded as the largest market for EDPR. The company currently has 475 MW of operational solar projects in the area, and there are additional 1.6 GW of solar capacity projects under construction. Between 2023 and 2026, the company plans to build 4.8 GW of solar capacity in North America for utility-scale and distributed generation.
Earlier this month, First Solar received a 4 GWdc order from Lightsource BP for its cutting-edge thin film solar modules. Around the US, the solar modules would be installed at Lightsource BP projects. First Solar would supply its Series 6 Plus and next-generation Series 7 modules, which will be delivered between 2026 and 2028. Formerly, Lightsource BP had a deal with the company to supply up to 4.3 GWdc worth of solar modules in 2021.
REGlobal’s Views: First Solar is rapidly expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the US and plans to double it from 5 GW currently to 10 GW by 2025. This is supported by major solar deployments expected in the near future owing to the Inflation Reduction Act and greater demand for local content in the US.
